The warm light of the living room lamps, the smell of wood and smoke from the fire bubbling in the hearth of the fireplace, and yet you couldn’t be more tense.

You were standing in the living room, arguing with a business associate of yours. You were a very impressive businesswoman, known for your calculating choices and ability to sell items without needing to sell emotion. Yet, there were always many annoying associates that took you for a fool. After all, you were a woman. In their eyes, you were an amateur.

“I said I don’t want to take your proposition. I have no interest in your products, nor your incompetence,” you said angrily to the man standing in front of the opposite armchair.

The man bristled and glared. “What do you know, you’re just a woman!” He stalked towards you, “don’t act like I don’t know you’re trying to cheat me.”

He grabbed your arm, bringing you closer to him.

“Let go of me,” you tried to shake his hand off.

A soft click, the sound of footsteps against the marble flooring, the smell of whiskey and cinnamon wafting into the room.

A low voice sounded from the doorway. “She said let her go.”

Your husband, Checo Selviano. A dangerous and intimidating man rumoured to be involved in the highest and bloodiest crime syndicates in the city. Of course, you knew this was true, but no one else but him, his mobsters, and other mafia families knew this fact.

The man quickly let go and rushed off out of the manor.

You sighed and crossed your arms, looking over at Checo. “I could’ve handled it. You didn’t need to bring a gun in here.”

Checo raised an eyebrow and adjusted his shirt sleeve cuff, “it was a small gesture of power towards that bastard. Or do you not like that it was small?”

Your eyes rolled and you huffed. “It was as small and unnecessary as your small little friend down there.”

Checo was caught off guard and chuckled, “what a way with words my love.”

He walked up to you and put a hand on your lower back. “It was small enough to give you three children named Damon, Antonelli, and Vincent.” He whispered against your ear.

Both of you knew he wasn’t small, but you liked to tease that way. He knew you did, and he loved to hear your sharp remarks despite the fact he was anything but.